Bird signs two-year extension to stay with Storm

Though Sue Bird is currently sidelined by a sore neck, it’s hard to imagine the Seattle Storm without the veteran point guard for long. And Bird apparently agrees as the two parties announced a two-year contract extension Thursday evening.

Point guard Sue Bird signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the Seattle Storm. (Getty Images/Otto Greule Jr.)

Bird, a six-time WNBA All-Star, was the No. 1 pick by Seattle in the 2002 draft and has played with Seattle her entire professional career.

The deal will keep Bird with the Storm for a full decade, through the 2011 season.

“We are delighted that Sue will continue her career with the Storm and we are certain that our fans feel the same way,” head coach and player personnel director Brian Agler said. “She is an outstanding point guard and a team leader and we appreciate all that she does to contribute to our success.”

Bird has the second most assists in WNBA history and is a four-time All-WNBA first team selection. She recently became the third player in league history to record 3,000 career points and 1,000 career assists.

“I am excited to continue my playing career with the Storm,” Bird said. “Seattle is a great basketball town, with the best fans in the WNBA. I feel fortunate to be part of this team and the Storm organization.”

Bird’s neck injury sidelined her for Thursday night’s home finale against Phoenix and she’s questionable for Saturday’s regular-season wrap-up in San Antonio.

The team also is minus star forward Lauren Jackson, who is suffering from stress fractures in her lower back. She’s hoping to return in time for the playoffs, but that’s up in the air.

The Storm will begin the Western Conference semifinals with a road game Wednesday on ESPN2, followed by a home game Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at KeyArena.

A third playoff game, if necessary, will be Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. at KeyArena. The opening-round opponent has not yet been determined, but tickets can be purchased at stormbasketball.com or by calling 1-877-WNBA-TIX.